Mumbai, Nov. 12: Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has received a legal notice over social media photographs showing her wearing a vintage emerald pendant bearing a Quranic verse.
Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez sent the notice, demanding the removal of the photographs and a public apology. However, a Hindu organisation has extended support to the actor.
Hafeez clarified that his objection was not to Kareena wearing the jewellery. Instead, he questioned how the religious inscription was displayed on social media, claiming it hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.
His advocate, Mohammad Zafar, said the pendant carried a verse from the Holy Quran. He said Islamic religious practices prescribe ritual ablution before touching or reciting sacred texts.
The legal notice seeks the removal of the photographs and related posts. It also demands an apology and an assurance against displaying the inscription in a manner considered disrespectful.
Hindu Organisations Extend Support to Kareena Kapoor
Hafeez said the pendant was associated with the heritage of the Begums of Bhopal. He maintained that it represented an expression of faith rather than a fashion accessory.
He also clarified that the legal notice was his personal initiative. He said it should not be linked to the Congress party or its political position.
The controversy centres on an emerald pendant described by celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor as an approximately 200-year-old heirloom of the former Bhopal royal family.
Rhea Kapoor had shared photographs of Kareena wearing the jewellery as part of her Diwali look.
The pendant’s historical connection is linked to the Pataudi family. Kareena’s husband, Saif Ali Khan, is the grandson of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, through his paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan.
Sajida Sultan married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. Their son was former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif’s father.
Meanwhile, Hindu Utsav Samiti president Chandra Shekhar Tiwari supported Kareena and said she did not need to apologise.
Tiwari argued that the pendant was designed to be worn around the neck, close to the heart. He said Kareena would not have worn it in a place considered disrespectful.
He also stated that Kareena, as a member of the erstwhile Bhopal royal family, could naturally wear jewellery belonging to her mother-in-law.
The Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch have also expressed support for the actor.
Kareena Kapoor and her representatives had not issued an immediate public response to the legal notice.
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